PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia should not be proud of its skyscrapers and landmarks when some of its people are still not enjoying good infrastructure, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said the government should guarantee that its people including the underprivileged are being looked after.
“Malaysia should not be known for its glorious skyscrapers. Malaysia should be known for providing for its people, including the underprivileged,” he said in his first National Day Perdana address since taking over as Prime Minister in November last year.
He added that all schools in the country will have reasonable basic facilities in October, saying that the basic infrastructure must be preserved and the existing one must be appreciated.
Anwar then said that this will be part of the the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan which is slated to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in September.
“For me this is more meaningful for the millions of parents and students rather than huge skycrapers and landmarks,” he said.
He added that the government will defend the rights of all citizens and said that it is important to avoid any efforts that will weaken unity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers a speech at the Majlis Amanat Perdana Hari Kebangsaan at Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Putrajaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
“Don’t take it lightly, because great countries which were powerful and home to great civilisations were brought to shambles, not only because of poor governance and corruption but because the flame of racism was ignited,” he said.
Anwar then said that differences can turned into a strength.
“We want our country to be a Madani nation that will uphold the dignity of all citizens,” he added, saying that Malaysia can move forward with good policies.
Anwar said that Malaysia has stagnated over the last 20 years after facing several problems, adding that the nation once had the strength to lift its dignity and economy.
“We can make the choice between creating unrest, doubting each other, sowing political and racial hatred or we can choose to say that enough is enough and use this time to come up with strategies and try our best to uphold the country’s dignity,” he said.
After the National Energy Transition Roadmap, he said the National Industrial Plan will be launched soon to spur high technology industries, digital transformation and create jobs for thousands of youth.
The 2023 National Day celebration, themed '‘Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan’ (Determination in Unity, Fulfiling Hope) will take place in Putrajaya on Thursday (Aug 31).
This marks the fifth time the National Day celebration has been held in Putrajaya. It was held in Putrajaya in 2003, 2005, 2018 and 2019.
Ten contingents will participate in the parade on Thursday, namely Nationhood; Malaysia Madani Unity; Economy; Banking; Telecommunications; Creative and Broadcasting Industry; Community; National Sports; National Well-being and Security.
